Graham, your question is sorta like asking what type of gun is best. There are tools and guns for different purposes. The two things that give me the most problems are my aging body and the weather. If you can find a way to control either, you will be in great demand. I garden about 2000 sq. ft. which is small by most standards. Two tools I would not want to give up are my wagon to to haul compost, mulch etc. and a small hand tool that is much like the Ken Ho weeder. I even have one that I put a long aluminum handle on. You might get a better response if you ask this question on some of the gardening forums. Best of luck on your project. Larry

I've never seen one of these myself, but it must be a filament bearer/Nematocampa resistaria, Daniella. There are quite a few pictures of it on the web - here's a link to one of them. Sherry Here is a link that might be useful: Nematocampa Resistaria

If you cover them it will act as a mini greenhouse and hold in the heat. Think of it like a car. If you park in the direct sun, with the windows up, the car gets a whole lot warmer than the outside air. Even if your windows are open a bit, it cools it off some and air can circulate. But it is still, warmer than the outside air. In the spring you'll need to keep an eye on the temp, but if it's covered it will sprout a whole lot sooner!

I believe you posted in the African Violets group by mistake. These are Amaryllis varieties. Beautiful plants, but you might receive a better answer to your question if posted there.